Pipe connector and arrangement of a pipe connector with at least two pipes

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe connector (100) for connecting at least two pipes (112), wherein the pipe connector (100) has a first receiving portion (114) with a first insertion opening for inserting a pipe (112) and a second receiving portion (115) with a second insertion opening for inserting a pipe (112), wherein the pipe connector has at least one, preferably circumferential, stop (103) arranged on the inner side (118) of the pipe connector (100) between the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening, which determines a maximum insertion depth of the pipes (112) into the first receiving portion and / or the second receiving portion (114, 115), wherein the pipe connector has at least one, preferably circumferential, sealing lip (102) arranged on the inner side (118) of the pipe connector between the first insertion opening and / or the second insertion opening and the stop (103), characterized in that the pipe connector (100) has a flexible region (106) arranged between the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening, which is made of a deformable, compressible or ductile and / or elastic material, so that the first receiving portion (114) is displaceable translationally and / or rotationally relative to the second receiving portion (115). The invention also relates to a corresponding arrangement of a pipe connector (100) and at least two pipes (112) connected thereto.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tube connector for connecting at least two tubes, wherein the tube connector has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, the first receiving portion having a first insertion opening for inserting a tube, the second receiving portion having a second insertion opening for inserting a tube, wherein the tube connector has at least one stop disposed inside the tube connector, preferably surrounding the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening, the stop determining the maximum insertion depth of the tube into the first receiving portion and / or the second receiving portion, wherein the tube connector has at least one sealing lip disposed inside the tube connector, preferably surrounding the first insertion opening and / or the second insertion opening and the stop. Background Technology

[0002] Such pipe connectors are used, for example, in kitchen structures to connect the pipes of a piping system. This system allows steam or fumes drawn from a range hood to be transported to a wall frame and then out of the kitchen. One example of a pipe connector is known from EP2759779A1.

[0003] Typically, the pipe to be connected is inserted into the pipe connector to form a fluid connection. However, leaks and leaks can occur, especially when the pipes to be connected are not precisely oriented. As a result, steam or fumes intended to be removed from the kitchen can escape from the piping system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connector with better leakage sealing. An arrangement of the pipe connector and at least two pipes connected thereto is also provided.

[0005] According to the invention, the pipe connector has a flexible region disposed between a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, the flexible region being made of a deformable, compressible, or extensible and / or elastic material, such that the first receiving portion is translationally and / or rotatably displaceable relative to the second receiving portion. The flexible region avoids stress in the pipe, the pipe connector, and particularly at the connection site between the pipe and the pipe connector caused by misalignment or torsion of the pipe to be connected, thus effectively preventing loosening of the connection and / or connection gaps. The pipe connector can overcome pipe misalignment through the flexible region. This results in an improved seal that prevents leakage. The flexible region can be composed of or have such a plastic. The flexible region can be, for example, an elastomer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The flexible region can be, for example, PVC, polyethylene (PE), and / or polypropylene (PP), or composed of them. The flexible region can be rubber, such as natural rubber and / or silicone rubber, or composed of them. The flexible region can be silicone resin and / or a silicone-containing material, or composed of them. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic can be, for example, a shape memory polymer. When the tube connector is disassembled, it can be specified that the flexible area returns to a predetermined shape, that is, for example, making the deformation of the flexible area caused by the connection recoverable.

[0006] The tubes to be connected can be flat channels, round tubes, or similar. It can also be specified that the tube connector can connect flat channels to round tubes or similar types. The corresponding receptacle of the tube connector can be adapted to the geometry and / or cross-section of the tubes to be connected. It can also be specified that more than two tubes are interconnected using the tube connector. For this purpose, the tube connector can have a corresponding number of receptacles. The tube connector can have a generally rectangular and / or flat shape. The tube connector can have a generally circular shape.

[0007] At least one of the pipes to be connected may be composed of or have such plastic, sheet, or metal or metal alloy. Particularly in the case of sheet pipes, the increased stiffness compared to conventional plastic pipes ensures improved leak-proof sealing through the pipe connector according to the invention.

[0008] Tube connectors can be made of or contain plastics such as ABS or PVC. Alternatively or additionally, tube connectors can be made of or contain metal or sheet metal. Tube connectors can have a Shore A hardness of 30-50. With such a Shore A hardness, the tube connector can have better tube insertion performance, or facilitate the insertion of the tube into the tube connector.

[0009] The tube connector may have at least one retaining element, which may be configured to secure the tube inserted into the first and / or second receptacles at least segmentally or point-wise with the tube connector. The retaining element may preferably be arranged at least segmentally on or near the stop. Therefore, the aforementioned tube connector with a flexible region may also have a corresponding retaining element. The retaining element may be constructed as a single piece with the stop. The tube connector may have multiple retaining elements. The retaining elements may be regularly spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the spaced-apart retaining elements may be single or separate elements. In particular, it may be specified that the retaining element is not formed by a groove or similar structure completely surrounding the inner side of the tube connector. Therefore, since no circumferential separation edge is created by the retaining element, and the tube has a good connection with the tube connector, the flow through the tube connector can be improved. For example, the retaining element may have a width of 1 / 50 to 1 / 10 of the inner circumference of the tube connector or receptacle and / or the inner side of the stop. However, it can also be specified that at least one retaining element is constructed, at least segmentally around, a wide area on, near, or together with the stop. In this case, the retaining element may have a width, for example, greater than 1 / 10 (but preferably less than 1 / 1) of the inner circumference of the pipe connector or the receiving portion and / or the stop. If the first and / or second receiving portions are substantially rectangular or have a substantially rectangular shape, for example for a flat channel, it can be specified that the retaining element is arranged only on the two longer sides. The retaining element may extend into the first and / or second receiving portions. It can be specified that the retaining element does not extend from the stop over the entire first and / or second receiving portions from the stop to the first and / or second insertion openings, but only partially into the respective receiving portions. Therefore, an improved, stable, and load-bearing connection between the pipe connector and the pipe can be obtained, thereby achieving improved sealing to prevent leakage. "Segmentally arranged retaining elements" can refer to retaining elements disposed on or near the stop, the width of which corresponds to a portion of a corresponding segment of the inner circumference of the pipe connector, the first or second receiving portion, or the inner circumference of the stop. It can also refer to retaining elements disposed on or near a segment of the stop, wherein at least one additional retaining element can be disposed on or near at least one additional segment of the stop. Thus, the pipe can be secured segmentally or point-wise by retaining elements. For example, the retaining element can have a width of 1 / 50 to 1 / 10 of the inner circumference of the pipe connector or receiving portion and / or the inner side of the pipe connector or receiving portion and / or the inner circumference of the stop. It can be specified that exactly one retaining element is disposed on one, several, or all of the inner sides of the pipe connector. The retaining element can be constructed as a single piece with the stop. The retaining element can be or have a clamp or similar, or be clamp-shaped. It can be specified that more than one retaining element is also disposed on the stop.For example, each stop may be provided with exactly two (or more) retaining elements. The retaining elements may be arranged and / or distributed symmetrically along the stop, for example, with respect to the axis of symmetry of the pipe connector. The presence of two or more retaining elements can reduce the concave deflection of the pipe connector and / or the received pipe. Furthermore, the sealing performance can also be improved. A symmetrical arrangement of multiple retaining elements also works.

[0010] The tube connector may have a flexible region disposed between a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, the flexible region being made of a deformable, compressible, or stretchable and / or elastic material, such that the first receiving portion is translationally and / or rotatably displaced relative to the second receiving portion. Therefore, the tube connector with the aforementioned retaining element may also have a flexible region. The flexible region may be composed of or contain such plastic and / or rubber.

[0011] The retaining element can be T-shaped, L-shaped, or C-shaped, or similarly formed, wherein the web of the retaining element can form a receiving portion together with the inside of the tube connector for receiving the tube end inserted into the first receiving portion and / or the second receiving portion. The web can be arranged in and / or extend into the respective receiving portion. The tube end receiving portion provides an increased contact surface for the received tube end within the tube end receiving portion. By receiving the tube end in the tube end receiving portion, a stable and reliable connection between the tube and the tube connector can be provided.

[0012] At least one of the sealing lips may be arranged in the tube end receptacle. However, all the sealing lips may also be arranged in the tube end receptacle. Preferably, at least one sealing lip may be arranged on the inside of the tube connector and / or on the web. Thus, good and secure contact between the tube end and the sealing lip can be achieved in the tube end receptacle, and therefore a good seal can be achieved. If the tube connector has multiple sealing lips, at least two of the sealing lips may have different heights and / or thicknesses. If the tube connector has at least three sealing lips, each pair of sealing lips may be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] The retaining element and / or web may have a clamping guide on the inner side facing the tube connector, such that the cross-section of the tube end receptacle tapers at least segmentally in the insertion direction of the tube end. This ensures a reliable fit of the tube end in the tube end receptacle and improves the seal. However, it may also be specified that the clamping guide extends along the entire retaining element, such that the cross-section of the tube end receptacle tapers not only segmentally but also over the entire tube end receptacle in the insertion direction.

[0014] The clamping guide can be at least segmented relative to the inner side at an angle α 109 Inclined. This angle can be 0° ≤ α. 109≤20°. This angle can be 0°≤α. 109 ≤15°. Angle α 109 It can cause self-locking when the tube end is accommodated in the tube receiving part.

[0015] The retaining element may have a clamping element such that, when the tube is received in the tube end receptacle, the retaining element can be detachably connected to the tube via the clamping element using corresponding complementary connecting elements of the tube end and / or the tube. Therefore, a good seal and reliable connection can be provided between the tubes, wherein the connection is easily detachable or can be disassembled.

[0016] The tube connector may have at least one locking element preferably disposed inside a first receiving portion and / or a second receiving portion, the locking element being configured to detachably connect the tube to the tube connector by means of a locking protrusion of the tube inserted into the receiving portion. In at least one embodiment, the retaining element may be or have a locking element, wherein it may be specified that no retaining element is disposed on or near the stop portion. However, the locking element may also be attached to the retaining element, for example, disposed in or near the stop portion. In this case, the locking element or locking connection may additionally support and / or reinforce the connection between the tube and the tube connector through the retaining element.

[0017] The tube connector may have at least one tube connector clamping element preferably disposed inside the first and / or second receptacle. Using the tube connector clamping element, the tube connector can be detachably connected to, and preferably clamped to, a tube inserted into the first and / or second receptacle.

[0018] The pipe connector may have at least one, preferably at least two, axes of symmetry, and the pipe connector and / or retaining element may be axially symmetric, mirror-symmetric, or rotationally symmetric about these axes. In particular, it may be specified that the pipe connector does not have a specific and / or preferred connection direction and / or flow direction. Therefore, simplified and faster assembly of the pipe connector or the pipe system to be assembled can be achieved. At least one axis of symmetry may extend perpendicular to the flow direction. It may be specified that the retaining element is symmetrical or has at least one axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry of the retaining element may be oriented such that the pipe end receiving portion and / or the clamping guide portion of the retaining element are symmetrical.

[0019] The ratio of the height to the depth of the tube connector can be greater than or equal to 1.25, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5. The ratio of the width to the depth of the tube connector can be greater than or equal to 2.5, preferably greater than or equal to 3. The ratio of the diameter to the depth of the tube connector can be greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 2. Therefore, a long and narrow tube connector can be obtained while achieving a good seal or connection of the tube.

[0020] The tube connector may have at least two sealing lips between the stop portion and the first and second receiving portions, wherein the distance between the corresponding two sealing lips relative to each other may be less than the length of the sealing lips. When the tube is received into the tube connector, the corresponding sealing lips may overlap. This results in a better seal.

[0021] The flexible area may have corrugated sections or be corrugated. The corrugated section may be or have pleated corrugations.

[0022] The flexible region and / or bellows may have a profile. The profile may be or have folds. The profile may be, for example, sinusoidal or angular. If the profile is angular, flow through the pipe connector can be improved compared to a sinusoidal profile. It may be specified that the height of the profile is greater than the distance between the profiles relative to each other. If the profile is angular, and the height of the profile is greater than the distance between them, flow through the pipe connector can be further improved. The flexible region and / or bellows may have at least one outward-pointing profile. It may be specified that the flexible region and / or bellows have exactly three outward-pointing profiles. Here, this number of three profiles enables relatively good mechanical stability while possessing flexibility. Compared to, for example, five profiles, especially in the case of three profiles, the "avoidance characteristics," i.e., the relative movement of the profiles relative to each other, can be improved, and pressure loss can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to, for example, five profiles, in the case of three profiles, the introduction of force into the flexible region can be improved; when the force is introduced from the pipe insertion area (sleeve) to the flexible region in the middle, improved characteristics under pressure load can be obtained, thereby minimizing the "avoidance."

[0023] The outer side of the pipe connector may be or have a rigid and / or hard material having a first e-modulus. Compared to the outer material, the inner side of the pipe connector may be or have a soft and / or flexible material having a second e-modulus. The first e-modulus may be greater than the second e-modulus. E-modulus can specifically refer to the elastic modulus of the corresponding material. The pipe connector may be manufactured and / or have a two-part construction. Due to the rigid and / or hard materials, the pipe connector can have high stability. Good sealing can be achieved with soft and / or flexible materials. The rigid material may be or has plastics, such as thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics, or metals or sheets. The soft material may be or has elastomers, such as thermoplastics. The soft material may be or has TPE and / or silicone. The silicone may be or has silicone-containing materials.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the tube connector may have a first stop preferably surrounding the tube connector and disposed between the flexible region and the insertion opening of the first receiving portion, and a second stop preferably surrounding the tube connector and disposed between the flexible region and the insertion opening of the second receiving portion, wherein the tube connector may have at least one first retaining element disposed at least segmentally on or near the first stop and at least one second retaining element disposed at least segmentally on or near the second stop. It may be specified that exactly two (or more) retaining elements may be disposed on the first stop and the second stop.

[0025] The pipe connector may have at least two sealing lips disposed inside the first and / or second receptacles. This achieves very good leak-proof performance. The pipe connector can at least meet the second-highest sealing performance class (Class C). Alternatively, the sealing lips may be disposed on the receptacle, near the receptacle, and / or fluidly disposed before the receptacle.

[0026] The first and / or second receiving portions may have a preferred surrounding insertion bevel on their outer edges, wherein the cross-section of the receiving portion may taper at least segmentally in the region of the insertion bevel. The insertion bevel may be or have a chamfer. This insertion bevel, particularly when the tube is press-fitted in the receiving portion, allows for easy and convenient insertion of the tube into the receiving portion.

[0027] According to the present invention, an arrangement is provided consisting of the aforementioned pipe connector and at least two pipes connected to the pipe connector via a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, wherein...

[0028] a. The longitudinal axes of the two tubes may be oriented at an angle between 1° and 15° relative to each other, and / or

[0029] b. The ends of the tubes connected to the tube connector may have a distance and / or offset along the longitudinal axis of one or both tubes, the distance and / or offset being 1 cm to 5 cm greater or less than the depth of the tube connector, preferably 1 cm to 2 cm, and / or

[0030] c. The two tubes may have a distance and / or offset relative to each other that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubes, for example in the direction of extension of the height and / or the direction of extension of the width of the tube connector, the distance and / or offset may be between 1 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 2 cm.

[0031] Therefore, pipe connectors, in particular, allow the connection of two pipes that are not precisely aligned with each other without generating stress in the connector or connection. This provides a long-lasting, secure, and non-loosening connection. Pipe connectors may preferably have a flexible region that compensates for misalignment or distance between the two pipes.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, an arrangement is provided consisting of a pipe connector and at least two pipes connected to the pipe connector via a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, wherein...

[0033] a. The outer cross-section and / or outer periphery of the tube may be larger than the inner cross-section of at least one of the receiving portions, such that at least one tube can be fixed to the tube connector in at least one receiving portion by press fitting, and / or

[0034] b. At least one of the receiving portions may have at least one locking element on its inner side, and at least one of the tubes may have at least one complementary locking protrusion, wherein at least one tube in at least one receiving portion may be detachably secured to a tube connector by a locking connection formed by the locking element and the locking protrusion, and / or

[0035] c. At least one of the receptacles may have at least one pipe connector clamping element on its inner side (118), wherein at least one pipe in at least one receptacle may be clamped to a pipe connector by the pipe connector clamping element, and / or

[0036] d. The retaining element may form a tube end receptacle on, near, or within at least one receptacle, together with the inside of the tube connector, wherein the tube inserted into the receptacle is received at its end in the tube end receptacle, wherein the tube can be connected to the tube connector via the tube end and the tube end receptacle (form-fit or force-fit), and / or

[0037] e. The retaining element may have at least one clamping element, and at least one tube in the tube or the tube end of at least one tube in the tube may have an element complementary to the clamping element, wherein the tube can be detachably connected to the tube connector via the clamping element and the complementary element.

[0038] Arrangements with any combination of these connections or connecting elements are also possible and conceivable. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the following figures. As shown herein:

[0040] Figure 1 An embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams illustrating two implementations of the retaining element;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the retaining element and the tube end;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing lip;

[0048] Figure 9 The arrangement of the pipe connector according to the invention and two pipes connected thereto is shown;

[0049] Figure 10 An exemplary tube with a locking protrusion is shown, intended for connection to a tube connector;

[0050] Figures 11a-11d Schematic examples of two different arrangements of pipes connected to a pipe connector (not shown);

[0051] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the tube connector according to the invention is shown; and

[0052] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the tube connector according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pipe connector 100 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the pipe connector 100 has not been in Figure 1 and Figure 2The flexible region 106 is shown in the figure. The tube connector 100 has a first receiving portion 114 for receiving a first tube or tube end and a second receiving portion 115 for receiving a second tube or tube end. Between the two receiving portions 114, 115, a stop portion 103 is arranged on the inner side 118 of the tube connector. Here, the stop portion 103 can be arranged in a circumferential manner. Thus, the stop portion 103 can be used to determine a defined insertion depth of one or more tubes 112 in the tube connector 100. For example, a tube 112 can be inserted into the tube connector 100 through the first receiving portion 114 until the tube 112 or its tube end contacts the stop portion 103. Thus, the stop portion 103 can be used as a stopper. Between the stop portion 103 and the insertion opening of the receiving portions 114, 115 and / or the receiving portions, at least one or more sealing lips 102 are arranged on the inner side 118 of the tube connector 100. The sealing lips 102 are preferably arranged circumferentially. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, three sealing lips 102 are arranged between the insertion opening of the first receiving portion 114 and the stop portion 103, and between the insertion opening of the second receiving portion 115 and the stop portion 103. The sealing lips 102 fluidly seal the tube 112 in the insertion tube connector 100. For example, if two tubes 112 are inserted... Figure 1 In the receiving portions 114 and 115 of the pipe connector 100 shown, two pipes 112 are fluid-tightly connected to each other. Here, a particularly good seal is achieved by the multiple sealing lips 102 of the pipe connector 100. For example, in… Figure 1 The pipe connector 100 shown exceeds the requirements for leak sealing with its three sealing lips 102 and meets at least the second highest sealing class (Class C).

[0054] Tube connectors can have a Shore A hardness between 30 and 50. Therefore, it can facilitate the insertion of the tube into the tube connector or give the tube connector improved insertion characteristics.

[0055] The tube connector 100 may have at least one retaining element 101. The retaining element 101 may be arranged on or near the stop portion 103. It may be specified that the retaining element 101 and the stop portion 103 are constructed as a single piece. The retaining element 101 may be L-shaped, T-shaped, C-shaped, etc., or have a corresponding shape. Using the retaining element 101, the tube 112 inserted into the tube connector 100 can be squeezed and / or pressed against the inner wall of the tube connector 100. It may also be specified that the tube end of the tube 112 inserted into the tube connector 100 is clamped or will be clamped by the retaining element 101 and the inner wall of the tube connector 100. The retaining element 101 may be arranged on the inner side 118 of the tube connector 100 such that the inserted tube 112 or its tube end is squeezed or will be squeezed against the sealing lip 102. The tube connector 100 may have multiple retaining elements 101. The individual retaining elements 101 may be regularly spaced apart from each other. Exemplary embodiments of retaining element 101 are described below. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Further description is provided below. It may be specified that the pipe connector has multiple retaining elements 101. In this case, the retaining elements 101 may be regularly spaced apart from each other, for example, along the stop 103. However, it may also be specified that at least one retaining element 101 is constructed entirely or at least segmentally around the stop, near the stop, or together with the stop. It may be specified that exactly one retaining element is arranged on at least one or more inner sides of the pipe connector. The width of the retaining element 101 may be in proportion to the inner perimeter of the pipe connector 100, to the inner side 118 of the pipe connector (where the retaining element 101 may be arranged), or to the inner perimeter of the stop 103, between 1 / 50 and 1 / 10. Therefore, the retaining element 101 may be narrower than, for example, the width of the receiving portions 114, 115 of the pipe connector 100.

[0056] The tube connector 100 and / or the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115 may have an insertion bevel 105. The insertion bevel 105 may be or have a chamfer. The insertion bevel 105 may be arranged inside the insertion opening of the respective receiving portions 114, 115. The insertion bevel 105 facilitates the insertion of the tube 112 or its end into the tube connector 100. The insertion bevel 105 may be arranged circumferentially. It may be specified that the external dimensions of the tube 112 and the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115 are set such that a press fit or clamping fit is generated when the tube 112 is inserted into the tube connector 100. In this case, the insertion bevel 105 facilitates the assembly or insertion of the tube 112 into the tube connector 100.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, tube 112 may be connected to or to tube connector 100 via a locking connection. For this purpose, tube connector 100 may have suitable locking elements 107 or corresponding connecting elements that can connect or lock to or lock with complementary locking protrusions 117 of tube 112. Thus, tube 112 can be easily and removably fastened to tube connector 100. Tube connector 100 may also have multiple corresponding locking elements 107 or connecting elements, which may be regularly spaced apart from each other. Locking elements 107 and / or connecting elements may be arranged on the inner side 118 of tube connector 100. Locking elements 107 and / or connecting elements may be arranged on or near the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115, or on or near the entry openings of the first receiving portion and / or the second receiving portion. Figure 10 An exemplary tube 112 and / or tube end with a corresponding locking protrusion 117 is shown. Alternatively or additionally, the tube connector 100 may have at least one not shown in the diagram. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The pipe connector clamping element is shown in the diagram. The pipe connector clamping element can be disposed in the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115. Preferably, the pipe connector clamping element can be disposed inside the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115. If the pipe connector 100 has multiple pipe connector clamping elements, these pipe connector clamping elements can be arranged circumferentially, preferably equidistantly, in the first receiving portion 114 and / or the second receiving portion 115. The pipe connector clamping element can correspond to... Figure 10 The locking protrusion 117 shown may be shaped and / or constructed in the same way as the locking protrusion.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pipe connector 100 may have at least one axis of symmetry. The pipe connector 100 and / or retaining element 101 may be mirror-symmetric, axisymmetric, and / or rotationally symmetric, or have corresponding shapes. In particular, it may be specified that the pipe connector 100 does not have a preferred connection direction, orientation, orientation, or flow direction. Therefore, the pipe 112 can be easily assembled or connected to the pipe connector 100.

[0059] The tube connector 100 may have a slot 108 on its outer side. The slot 108 may be arranged circumferentially. The slot 108 may serve as, for example, an actuating element or handle element to simplify assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the tube connector may also have a tactile element 104, which may serve as an actuating element or handle element. The tactile element 104 may be specified to have a visual and / or perceptible or tactile category or code for the tube connector 100, which may include, for example, information about the size, material, or other characteristics of the tube connector 100. Therefore, a tube connector that fits perfectly can be selected particularly easily during assembly. The tactile element may indicate the preferred flow direction of the tube connector.

[0060] The tube connector 100 may have a width b 100 and / or height h 100 With depth t 100 The proportion makes b 100 / t 100 ≥2.5 and / or h 100 / t 100 ≥1.2, b is preferred 100 / t 100 ≥2.5 and / or h 100 / t 100 ≥3. Therefore, a pipe connector 100 requiring very little space can be obtained. However, good sealing or leak-proof performance can be achieved here by means of multiple sealing lips 102.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pipe connector 100 can be configured to fluid-tightly connect generally rectangular pipes 112 to each other. In particular, the pipe connector 100 can be configured to fluid-tightly connect flat channels to each other. For this purpose, the width b of the pipe connector or corresponding receiving portions 114, 115... 100 and height h 100 In particular, it can be appropriately selected.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the tube connector 100 has a flexible region 106. Figure 3 The pipe connector shown may have a reference Figure 1 and / or Figure 2At least one, more, or all of the described features. A flexible region 106 may be arranged between the first receiving portion 114 and the second receiving portion 115. The flexible region 106 may allow relative displacement of the first receiving portion 114 relative to the second receiving portion 115 (or vice versa), such as translational or rotational displacement. For this purpose, the flexible region 106 may be composed of or have such a material, such as a soft and / or deformable plastic. The flexible region may be compressible or extensible. The flexible region 106 may be or have a bellows, such as a corrugated bellows. Therefore, using such a pipe connector 100, pipes 112 that are not precisely aligned with each other, such as pipes 112 with angles and / or offsets, can also be easily connected to each other. For example, through the flexible region 106, the pipe connector 100 can connect two pipes 112 oriented at an angle of up to 15° to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the pipe connector 100 can also overcome offsets of the two pipes 112 in any direction, such as in the vertical direction, for example, from 1 to 2 cm. Alternatively or additionally, if, for example, one or both of the tubes 112 to be connected have been cut too short and / or too long, the length difference of, for example, 1 to 3 cm can be compensated during assembly through the flexible region 106, for example, by extension or compression. Figures 11a-11d The example shows a tube 112 arranged with a corresponding offset. Therefore, the flexible region 106 can in particular reduce and / or avoid stress in the tube connector 100, the tube 112 and the corresponding connection points and connecting elements.

[0063] In the tube connector 100 Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible region 106 is symmetrically arranged between the first receiving portion 114 and the second receiving portion 115. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The embodiment shown has two stops 103 and two retaining elements 101. Here, the corresponding stops 103 and retaining elements 101 are arranged adjacent to the flexible region 106 on the inner side 118 of the tube connector 100. Figure 3 As shown, the retaining element 101 can be L-shaped. Of course, this... Figure 3 The symmetrical arrangement shown is not mandatory.

[0064] In addition, as referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the tube connector 100 is in Figure 3 The embodiment shown has a sealing lip 102, an insertion bevel 105, and a locking element 107. Here, the dimensions, particularly the height h... 100 Width b 100 and / or depth t 100 It can be basically with Figure 1 and Figure 2The dimensions of those embodiments shown are the same.

[0065] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Another embodiment of the tube connector 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The pipe connector shown may have a reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 At least one, more, or all of the described features. The pipe connector 100 may have two or more retaining elements 101 for each stop 103. It may be specified that the pipe connector has exactly two retaining elements 101 for each stop 103. This allows for a good trade-off between less complex manufacturing and good connection and sealing between the pipe connector 100 and the pipe housed therein. For example, it can reduce the deflection of the concave shape of the pipe connector 100 and / or the housed pipe. It may be specified that the two or more retaining elements 101 may be symmetrically and / or uniformly distributed and / or arranged along the respective stop 103. Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, each stop 103 is symmetrical about the tube connector 100, particularly in width b. 100 Two retaining elements 101 are arranged symmetrically in each direction.

[0066] For example, Figure 12 As shown, the tube connector 100 and / or insertion bevel 105 may have at least one recess 120. The recess may be arranged such that it is flush with the retaining element 101. The recess 120 may be used to facilitate the insertion of the tube (e.g., a tube clamping element or fastening element). However, it may also be specified that the recess 120 itself serves as a fastening means or is configured for a fastening means.

[0067] The pipe connector 100 may have at least one spacer 119. The spacer 119 may be disposed on the outside of the pipe connector 100. The spacer 119 may be or have a rubber element and / or a rubber layer. The spacer may, for example, space the surface of the constructed pipe connector from the surface of a wall, kitchen component, pipe, other pipe connectors, etc.

[0068] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a pipe connector according to the present invention, which may, for example, correspond to... Figure 3 or Figure 12 A pipe connector is shown in the embodiment. The flexible region 106 may be or have a bellows, such as a corrugated bellows. The flexible region 106 may have a pleat 121. The pleat 121 may be a contour or correspond to a contour. It may be specified that the pipe connector can be as follows: Figure 13 The area shown has exactly three folds 121. For example... Figure 13As shown, the folds can point outwards. The folds can be sinusoidal. However, it can be specified that the folds are as follows: Figure 13 The shapes shown are angular and / or can have angular shapes. If the folds are angular, flow through the flexible region can be improved compared to sinusoidal folds. In particular, the pressure drop of the flow can be reduced. The distance between two folds can be less than the height of the folds, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 13 This allows for a small radius of curvature in the folds. Therefore, flow can be further improved, particularly by further reducing pressure drop. For example... Figure 13 As shown, at least one embodiment of the tube connector 100 has exactly three outwardly pointing pleats 121. However, it is also possible to specify that the tube connector 100 has more or fewer than three pleats 121. The number of three pleats 121 can provide a good trade-off between flexibility and stability. Compared to, for example, a tube connector with five pleats, a tube connector with three pleats can have lower pressure loss due to the reduced "avoidance" of the flexible region 106. Furthermore, better force introduction from the tube insertion area or sleeve to the flexible region 106 can be obtained.

[0069] It can be specified that the flexible region 106 is connected to the tube insertion region or sleeve, for example, by welding or bonding. However, it can also be specified that the flexible region is formed as a single piece with at least one or all of the tube insertion regions or sleeves.

[0070] Figure 13 Part A shows an enlarged view of the sealing region. The sealing region may have at least two sealing lips 102, and in some embodiments, exactly two sealing lips. One, more, or all of the sealing lips 102 may be arranged on, near, and / or fluidly ahead of the end-receiver 116. In some embodiments, at least one of the sealing lips 102 may be arranged in the end-receiver 116. The sealing lips 102, the retaining element 101, and the end-receiver 116 are referenced below. Figures 6 to 8 Further description.

[0071] Pipe connector 100 in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The other embodiments shown are similar to those in Figures 1 to 3 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the round tube can be connected to the tube connector. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tube connector 100 has a flexible region 106, in which it only... Figure 5 It is shown in the middle. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pipe connector 100 shown may have about Figures 1 to 3At least one, more, or all of the described features, or may differ only in their shape (circle versus square / flat). Here, diameter d 100 With depth t 100 The proportion, d 100 / t 100 ≥1.5, preferred d 100 / t 100 ≥2. An exemplary circular connector may have d 100 = 150 mm diameter and t 100 =60 mm depth. It can be specified that, in Figure 4 The tube connector 100 for round tubes shown in the figure and / or the tube connector 100 for round tubes shown in the figure Figure 5 The tube connector 100 shown in the figure has a flexible region 106, as in Figures 1 to 3 As shown and described, it has one or more retaining elements 101 (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Not shown in the image). Similarly, it can be stipulated that, with Figures 1 to 3 The corresponding embodiments described and shown do not have a retaining element 101. Similarly, embodiments having a first receiving portion 114 for a flat channel and a second receiving portion 115 for a circular channel or tube, or having a first receiving portion 114 for a circular channel or tube and a second receiving portion 115 for a flat channel, are also conceivable.

[0072] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An embodiment of the retaining element 101 according to the present invention is shown. The corresponding retaining element 101 is not limited to the T-shape shown in the figures, but may also be L-shaped, C-shaped, etc., or have a corresponding shape.

[0073] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the retaining element 101 may have at least one web 111. The web 111 may protrude beyond the inner side 118 of the pipe connector 100 and together with the inner side 118 form a pipe end receiving portion 116. The height h of the web 111 above the inner side 118 is... 111 This can correspond to the thickness of the tube 112, such as the wall thickness. When the tube 112 is inserted into the tube connector 100 through the insertion openings of the receiving portions 114, 115, the tube end can be received in the tube end receiving portion 116. The retaining element 101 may have a clamping guide 109 such that when the tube end is inserted into the tube end receiving portion 116, the tube end is guided relative to the inside 118 of the tube connector 100. The clamping guide 109 and / or the retaining element 101 may have defined clamping points 110. Depending on the size of the tube end receiving portion 116, such as the height h of the web, the clamping guide 109 may be used. 111 Or the height h of the pressing point 110 above the inner side 118 110The tube end can be pressed into the inner side 118 and / or forcefully accommodated in the tube end receiving portion 116. For example, height h 111 and / or height h 110 It can be less than the wall thickness of pipe 112. The height h of the clamping point 110. 110 Preferably, the height is less than that of the web 111, for example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 As exemplarily shown, the clamping guide 109 can be at an angle α 109 Extending obliquely. Angle α 109 It can be between 1° and 20°, preferably between 1° and 15°. Angle α 109 Alternatively, the tube end inserted into or accommodated in the tube end receiving portion 116 may be configured to self-lock. The retaining element 101 may be constructed as a single piece with the stop portion 103. The retaining element 101 may be configured about at least one axis of symmetry (e.g., X). 101 The pipe connector 100 may be constructed symmetrically about at least one axis of symmetry (e.g., X). 101 It is constructed symmetrically. At least one axis of symmetry of retaining element 101 may coincide with or be the same as at least one axis of symmetry of pipe connector 100.

[0074] It can be specified that one, more, or all of the sealing lips 102 are arranged on the inside 118 of the tube connector 100 below the web 111 and / or in the tube end receiving portion 116. Thus, the tube end can be guided and / or pressed against the sealing lip 102 by the retaining element 101 relative to the sealing lip 102, thereby achieving a particularly good seal.

[0075] As in Figure 7 As exemplarily and illustratively shown, tube 112 and / or its end may alternatively or additionally be clamped to retaining element 101 or connected using clamping connections and / or snap-fit ​​connections. For this purpose, retaining element 101 and tube 112 or its end may have suitable complementary connecting elements 113. The complementary connecting element may, for example, be a connecting groove 113 for tube 112 or its end, into which clamping element 110 of tube 112 may engage. Clamping element 110 may, for example, be a pressure point 110. The depth t of groove 113... 113 This can be suitably adapted to the geometry of suitable connecting elements of the clamping guide 109, clamping point 110, and / or retaining element 101. It can be specified that, in the case of clamping connection with retaining element 101, the tube 112 or tube end has a distance d from the inner side 118. 113This allows the tube 112 or its end to be held in the tube end receiving portion 116 not by force but solely by a clamping connection. Therefore, the tube 112 can be easily separated from the retaining element 101 again. Here, the distance d... 113 It can be small enough that good leakage sealing or fluid sealing can still be achieved using the sealing lip 102. Alternatively, the various dimensions of the pipe end receiving portion 116 (e.g., h) 110 h 111 α 109 t 113 d 113 (etc.) can be determined such that, in addition to clamping connection, force fit, form fit and / or self-locking of tube 112 or tube end are generated in tube end receiving portion 116.

[0076] like Figure 8 As illustrated exemplarily and intentionally, the dimensions of the sealing lip 102 (particularly having a height or length h) 102 And at a distance d 102 (The spaced apart from each other) can be determined such that when the tube 112 is inserted into the tube connector 100, the sealing lips 102 at least partially and / or in pairs overlap each other. (Proportion d) 102 / h 102 In particular, it can be less than 1. However, it can also be specified that the corresponding distance d is changed according to the sealing lip pair. 102 , or the corresponding distance d 102 The sealing lips 102 are selected such that at least one, some, or all of them do not overlap in the inserted tube 112. It may be specified that at least two, more, or all of the sealing lips 102 have the same or different heights h. 102 h 103 h 104 Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the distance d between at least one, more, or all of the corresponding sealing lips is... 102 d 103 Identical or different. It can be specified that at least two, more, or all of the sealing lips 102 have different or identical thicknesses and / or are made of the same or different materials. The height, thickness, and spacing can be appropriately selected to ensure that the sealing lips 102 provide a good seal.

[0077] Despite Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Three sealing lips 102 are shown, but the pipe connector 100 may also have a different number of sealing lips, such as one or more sealing lips 102 or exactly two sealing lips 102. The described and illustrated embodiments are obviously adaptable.

[0078] Figure 9An exemplary arrangement of the pipe connector 100 according to the invention with two pipes 112 connected thereto is shown. In the exemplary arrangement, the first pipe connector 100 connects a generally horizontally positioned pipe 112 to a horizontally deflected pipe 112. A vertically deflected pipe 112 is connected to the horizontally deflected pipe 112 via a further pipe connector 100. A generally vertically extending pipe 112 is connected to the vertically deflected pipe 112 via a third pipe connector 100. Thus, the individual pipes 112 are fluid-tightly connected to each other via the pipe connectors 100. Figure 9 As exemplarily shown, at least one or all of the tube connectors 100 may have a flexible region 106. For example, the tube 112 may have an offset or rotation in the horizontal direction relative to a horizontally deflected tube 112, which offset or torsion may be compensated for by the flexible region 106.

[0079] Figures 11a-11d Two pipes 112 arranged relative to each other are shown exemplary and schematically, and these two pipes are connected to a pipe connector 100 according to the invention. Here, the pipe connector 100 is... Figures 11a-11d Not shown in the image. Figure 11a In the diagram, two pipes 112 are arranged such that the distance between their ends facing each other is d. 190 Here, the two tubes 112 are oriented relative to each other such that their longitudinal axes (represented by the dashed horizontal line in the figure) coincide, see [reference]. Figure 11a ). In this size d 188 It can correspond to the characteristic dimensions of the first tube 112, such as width, height, or diameter. Here, dimension d 189 This can correspond to the characteristic dimensions of the second tube 112, such as width, height, or diameter. Dimension d 188 and size d 189 The dimensions can be determined such that tube 112 can be accommodated in the receiving portions 114, 115 of tube connector 100. The two tubes 112 are connected to and fluidly connected to each other via tube connector 100 (not shown). For example, tube connector 100 can correspond to... Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment shown. The distance d between the two pipe ends. 190 This can correspond to the depth t of the pipe connector 100. 100 . Figure 11b The arrangement shown is similar to Figure 11a The difference in the arrangement is particularly that one of the two tubes 112 is pivoted or rotated by an angle α relative to the other tube 112. 190 The pipe connector 100 connecting the two pipes 112 may have a flexible region 106 as described above, which can compensate for the corresponding angular offset of the two pipes 112. Figure 11c The arrangement shown is similar to Figure 11aThe difference in the arrangement is particularly that one of the two pipes is offset by a distance d relative to the other pipe 112. 191 As shown in the figure, the offset can be oriented perpendicular to one or both longitudinal axes of the tube 112. The tube connector 100 connecting the two tubes 112 can here have a flexible region 106 as described above, which can compensate for the corresponding offset of the two tubes 112. Figure 11d The arrangement shown in the diagram is similar to... Figure 11a The difference in the arrangement is particularly that one of the two pipes 112 or pipe ends is offset relative to the other pipe 112 or pipe end along one or both longitudinal axes of the pipe 112. The offset of the two pipes relative to each other is d. 193 It is possible Figure 11d The orientation shown in the diagram is such that the two tubes are positioned such that the distance d between them is relative to each other. 192 It can be less than the distance d 190 And therefore, it may be less than the depth t of the pipe connector 100. 100 However, the offset d of the two tubes relative to each other 193 Alternatively, it can be constructed such that the distance d between the two tubes relative to each other is... 192 It can be greater than the distance d 190 And therefore, it may be greater than the depth t of the pipe connector 100. 100 ( Figures 11a-11d (Not shown in the image). The pipe connector 100 connecting the two pipes 112 may have a flexible region 106 as described above, which can compensate for the corresponding offset of the two pipes 112 by compression or extension. Of course, the arrangement of connecting two or more pipes 112 using the pipe connector 100 is not limited to... Figures 11a-11d The example shown. Furthermore, any combination of translation and rotation, such as... Figures 11a-11d Any combination of the examples shown is possible.

[0080] The features disclosed in the specification, drawings and claims may be important for implementing the invention individually or in any combination.

[0081] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0082] 100 tube connector

[0083] 101 Holding Element

[0084] 102 sealing lip

[0085] 103 Stop section

[0086] 104 tactile elements

[0087] 105 Insert oblique part

[0088] 106 flexible areas

[0089] 107 Locking Component

[0090] 108 slots

[0091] 109 Pressing Guide Section

[0092] 110 clamping element

[0093] 111 web

[0094] 112 tube

[0095] 113 Complementary connecting elements

[0096] 114 First Reception Section

[0097] 115 Second Reception Section

[0098] 116 tube end receiving section

[0099] 117 Locking Protrusion

[0100] 118 inner side

[0101] 119 spacer

[0102] 120 recess

[0103] 121 folds

[0104] H100 pipe connector height

[0105] B100 tube connector width

[0106] T100 pipe connector depth

[0107] d100 tube connector diameter

[0108] d102 sealing lip distance

[0109] d103 sealing lip distance

[0110] H102 Sealing Lip Height

[0111] H103 Sealing Lip Height

[0112] H104 Sealing Lip Height

[0113] h110 clamping point height

[0114] h111 Web height

[0115] T113 slot depth

[0116] d113 pipe fitting distance

[0117] d188 tube characteristic dimensions

[0118] d189 tube characteristic dimensions

[0119] d190 pipe end distance

[0120] d191 offset

[0121] d192 pipe end distance

[0122] d193 offset

[0123] α109 clamping guide angle

[0124] α190 tube angle

[0125] X101 axis of symmetry

[0126] A local

Claims

1. A pipe connector (100) for connecting at least two pipes (112), said pipe connector for kitchen construction, wherein, The tube connector (100) has a first receiving portion (114) and a second receiving portion (115), the first receiving portion having a first insertion opening for inserting a tube (112), and the second receiving portion having a second insertion opening for inserting a tube (112), characterized in that, The tube connector has at least one surrounding stop (103) disposed inside the tube connector (100) (118) between a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening. The stop (103) determines the maximum insertion depth of the tube (112) into the first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115). The tube connector has at least one surrounding sealing lip (102) disposed between the first or second insertion opening and the stop (103) inside the tube connector (118). The tube connector (100) has a flexible region (106) disposed between the first and second insertion openings. The flexible region is made of a deformable, compressible, extensible, and elastic material, such that the first receiving portion (114) is translationally and rotatably displaced relative to the second receiving portion (115).

2. The pipe connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The tube connector (100) has at least one retaining element (101) arranged at least segmentally on or near the stop (103), wherein the retaining element (101) is configured to secure the tube (112) inserted into the first and / or second receptacle to the tube connector (100) at least segmentally or at a point.

3. The pipe connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element (101) is T-shaped, L-shaped, or C-shaped or similarly shaped, wherein the web (111) of the retaining element (101) and the inner side (118) of the tube connector (100) form a tube end receiving portion (116) for receiving the tube end of the tube (112) inserted into the first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115).

4. The pipe connector (100) according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the sealing lips (102) is disposed in the tube end receiving portion (116), on the inside (118) and / or on the web (111) of the tube connector (100).

5. The tube connector (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The retaining element (101) and / or the web (111) have a clamping guide (109) on the side facing the inside (118) of the tube connector (100), such that the cross-section of the tube end receiving portion (116) is at least segmentally tapered in the insertion direction of the tube end.

6. The tube connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The clamping guide is at least segmentally positioned relative to the inner side (118) at an angle α 109 Inclined, where the angle 0° ≤ α 109 ≤20°, and / or angle α 109 Self-locking is caused when the tube end is accommodated in the tube end accommodating part (116).

7. The pipe connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The clamping guide is at least segmentally positioned relative to the inner side (118) at an angle α 109 Inclined, where 0°≤α 109 ≤15°, and / or angle α 109 Self-locking is caused when the tube end is accommodated in the tube end accommodating part (116).

8. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The retaining element (101) has a clamping element (110) such that when the tube (112) is accommodated in the tube end receiving portion (116), the retaining element (101) is detachably connected to the tube (112) by means of the clamping element (110) using the corresponding complementary connecting elements (113) of the tube end and / or the tube (112).

9. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, the tube connector having at least one locking element (107) disposed inside (118) in a first receiving portion (114) and / or a second receiving portion (115), the at least one locking element being configured to detachably connect the tube (112) to the tube connector (100) by means of a complementary locking protrusion (117) of the tube (112) inserted into the receiving portion.

10. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, the tube connector having at least one tube connector clamping element disposed inside (118) in a first receiving portion (114) and / or a second receiving portion (115), such that the tube connector (100) is detachably connectable to or clampable to a tube (112) inserted into the first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115).

11. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the tube connector (100) and / or retaining element (101) are axially symmetric, mirror symmetric, or rotationally symmetric about an axis of symmetry.

12. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the tube connector has at least two axes of symmetry, and the tube connector (100) and / or retaining element (101) are axially symmetric, mirror symmetric, or rotationally symmetric about the axes of symmetry.

13. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Height (h) 100 ), width (b) 100 ) and / or diameter (d 100 ) and depth (t) 100 The proportion of h) 100 / t 100 ≥1.2, b 100 / t 100 ≥2.5, and / or d 100 / t 100 ≥1.

5.

14. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Height (h) 100 ), width (b) 100 ) and / or diameter (d 100 ) and depth (t) 100 The proportion of h) 100 / t 100 ≥1.5, b 100 / t 100 ≥3, and / or d 100 / t 100 ≥2.

15. The pipe connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the pipe connector has at least two sealing lips between the stop portion (103) and the first receiving portion (114) and the second receiving portion (115), wherein, The distance between the two sealing lips relative to each other (d) 102 The length (h) of the sealing lip (102) is less than that of the sealing lip. 102 ).

16. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The flexible area (106) has at least a segmental or corrugated pipe.

17. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The flexible region (106) and / or the bellows have angular profiles (121), wherein the height of the profiles is greater than the distance between the profiles (121) relative to each other, and wherein the flexible region (106) and / or the bellows have at least one outward-pointing profile.

18. The pipe connector (100) according to claim 17, wherein, The flexible region (106) and / or the bellows have exactly three outward-pointing profiles.

19. The pipe connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the outer side of the pipe connector is or has a rigid and / or hard material having a first E modulus, and the inner side (118) of the pipe connector is or has a soft and / or flexible material compared to the outer material, the soft and / or flexible material having a second E modulus, wherein, The first E modulus is greater than the second E modulus.

20. The pipe connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, the pipe connector having a first stop (103) disposed between the flexible region (106) and the insertion opening of the first receiving portion (114) and surrounding the inner side (118) of the pipe connector (100), and having a second stop (103) disposed between the flexible region (106) and the insertion opening of the second receiving portion (115) and surrounding the inner side (118) of the pipe connector (100), wherein, The pipe connector (100) has at least one first retaining element (101) arranged in at least a segment on or near a first stop (103) on the inner side (118) and at least one second retaining element (101) arranged in at least a segment on or near a second stop (103) on the inner side (118).

21. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, the tube connector having at least two sealing lips (102) disposed on the inner side (118) of the first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115).

22. The tube connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115) have a surrounding insertion bevel (105) on their outer edges, wherein the cross-section of the first receiving portion (114) and / or the second receiving portion (115) is at least segmentally tapered in the region of the insertion bevel.

23. An arrangement comprising a pipe connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least two pipes (112) connected to the pipe connector (100) via a first receiving portion (114) and a second receiving portion (115), wherein a. The longitudinal axes of the two tubes are oriented at an angle between 1° and 15° relative to each other, and / or b. The ends of the tubes (112) connected to the tube connector (100) have a distance and / or offset along the longitudinal axis of one or both tubes (112), the distance and / or offset being greater than the depth t of the tube connector (100). 100 Larger or smaller by 1 cm to 5 cm, and / or c. The two tubes (112) are spaced and / or offset relative to each other at a distance substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubes, at a height h of the tube connector (100). 100 In the direction of extension and / or width b 100 In the direction of extension, the distance and / or offset is between 1 cm and 5 cm.

24. In the arrangement according to claim 23, the distance and / or offset is greater than the depth t of the tube connector (100). 100 Larger or smaller by 1cm to 2cm, and / or At the height h of the tube connector (100) 100 In the direction of extension and / or width b 100 In the direction of extension, the distance and / or offset is between 1 cm and 2 cm.

25. The arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, wherein a. The outer cross-section and / or outer periphery of the tube (112) are larger than the inner cross-section of at least one of the receptacles, such that at least one tube (112) is fixed to the tube connector (100) in at least one receptacle by press fitting, and / or b. At least one of the receiving portions has at least one locking element (107) on its inner side (118) and at least one of the tubes (112) has at least one locking protrusion (117) complementary to the locking element (107), wherein, At least one tube (112) is detachably secured to the tube connector (100) in at least one receiving portion by a locking connection formed by a locking element (107) and a locking protrusion (117), and / or c. At least one of the receptacles has at least one pipe connector clamping element on its inner side (118), wherein at least one pipe (112) is clamped to the pipe connector (100) in at least one receptacle by the pipe connector clamping element, and / or d. The retaining element (101) together with the inner side (118) of the tube connector (100) forms a tube end receiving portion (116) on, near, or in at least one receiving portion of the receiving portion, wherein the tube (112) inserted into the receiving portion is received at the tube end in the tube end receiving portion (116), wherein the tube (112) is connected to the tube connector (100) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner through the tube end and the tube end receiving portion (116), and / or e. The retaining element (101) has at least one clamping element (110), and at least one tube of the tubes (112) or at least one end of the tube of the tubes (112) has a connecting element complementary to the clamping element, wherein the tube (112) is detachably connected to the tube connector (100) via the clamping element and the complementary connecting element.

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